Coconuts and Coconut Oil – Healthier Than You May Think

Information on Coconuts and Coconut Oil

Why should you add coconut oil to your diet? 

1. It is an excellent replacement for trans fats in processed foods. 
2. It may help in reducing inflammation – which is our body’s response to infection.
3. It may be beneficial in helping with digestive diseases – such as Crohn’s or stomach ulcers.
4. It contains fewer calories than other fats, so this may be important with weight loss. 
5. It may be beneficial in helping to fight some bacteria, viruses, fungus, yeasts, and protozoa.
6. It is an excellent source to use as a moisturizer for dry skin – especially feet and hands.
7. It is a gentle and safe make-up remover.
8. It is an excellent substitute for dairy products if you are lactose intolerant.

Coconut oil does not raise cholesterol levels – so studies have shown it may help to prevent heart disease.  It can also help to boost metabolism, besides being lower in calories.  It is easier to digest if someone has intestinal problems.  It also has the potential for being effective in fighting the HIV virus.  By applying coconut oil to your skin, it protects against free radical damage that causes aging. 

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner – here is another recipe for sweet potatoes – but with coconut:  You may want to try this if you are looking for something different, but still delicious.

• 4 med. sweet potatoes
• 1 med. onion, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• Salt to taste

Peel the sweet potatoes, cut into quarters, and place in a medium saucepan.  Cover with water and simmer until soft.  While the sweet potatoes are cooking, saute’ the onion in the coconut oil until golden brown.  Drain the sweet potatoes and mash.  Stir in the sauteed’ onion, orange juice, coconut, and salt.

Coconut Equivalents

1 coconut = approx. 2 cups grated coconut

1 coconut = 2 cups coconut milk

Coconut cream is not the same thing as cream of coconut.  Cream of coconut is highly sweetened coconut cream.  You can make your own coconut milk if you are looking for freshness – or you can buy it in your supermarket.  It can also be ordered by mail. 

Parts of a Coconut

Husk – The outermost layer of the nut as it comes off the tree

Shell – The dark, hard covering surrounding the white coconut meat

Eyes – At one end of the coconut shell – there are three smooth areas known as “eyes”.  There are three eyes before the coconut is fertilized & only one eye develops after it’s fertilized. 

Meat or “Kernel” – The white pulp on the very inside of the coconut – either consumed fresh or dried

Coconut or sap water – The liquid inside fresh coconuts

Copra - Known in commercial processes as the coconut kernel which is dried to make “copra”, then pressed to extract the oil.